Nova: Season 44, Episode 3

44 - 3: Great Human Odyssey

Our ancient human ancestors once lived only in Africa in tiny bands of a few thousand hunter-gatherers. Then we moved out of our African cradle, spreading rapidly to every corner of the planet. How did we acquire the skills, technology, and talent to thrive in every environment on earth? How did our prehistoric forebears cross the Sahara, survive frigid ice ages, and sail to remote Pacific islands? "Great Human Odyssey" is a spectacular global journey following their footsteps out of Africa along a trail of fresh scientific clues. With unique glimpses of today's Kalahari hunters, Siberian reindeer herders, and Polynesian navigators, we discover amazing skills that hint at how our ancestors survived and prospered long ago. Walk in the footsteps of our ancient ancestors as Canadian anthropologist Niobe Thompson and other scientists trace the paths that led us out of Africa and around the world. From snowy Siberia to remote Pacific islands, discover how humans survived and thrived in every corner of the planet.